How to Rip Your Jeans

March 31, 2014

Unless you've been hiding under a fashion rock, you will know that distressed, ripped jeans are the major trend for SS14, taking the fashion world by storm. If your jeans already look worn-out, faded, vintage, torn, full of abrasions, then you have nailed the trend - go straight to the top of the class! If however, you can't quite find that perfect jean that you experience instant 'love at first fashion sight' then fear not, you can create your own dream distressed jeans. Our favourite part of this trend is that you can rip your own jeans and create your ideal distressed style. From subtle slits in skinny jeans to wide rips from the knee to your thigh in boyfriend jeans this versatile trend can be worn by anyone looking for an edgy stylish look. Read on to find out outfit styles and the step by step guide on creating your own.

Ripped Jeans

How to Rip Your Jeans

First of all, rips can be tricky, so make sure you take this slowly and keep trying them on throughout to make sure that you are happy with them. This DIY technique allows you to show your personality and individual style so make sure you have fun with it. Follow these simple steps to get your perfect ripped jeans in no time.

1. First for ripped knees, put your chosen jeans on and mark with a pen or pencil where the fold of your knee is. Then remove the jeans and lay them on a flat surface.

2. Cut a horizontal slit along the mark of the knee and to make sure you only slice through the front of the jeans, place a piece of card inside the jeans on the knees before you cut them. If you want more slices and prefer the extreme slashed denim look, add another slit about an inch above or below the first one and add more if you wish.

3. Using tweezers pull individual horizontal threads from the sides of both the slits and then carefully pull the vertical threads in between the two slits for a distressed hole in your knee.

4. You might not expect the humble cheese grater to be your weapon of fashion choice, but it can add a authentic distressed look. Use a grater or sandpaper to add the finishing touches, fraying the edges or any other areas of the jean for your desired torn effect. Finally wash and tumble dry your jeans to really nail that realistic worn in look.

5. Add as many slits as you like to your jeans to create your perfect personal ripped jean. Remember that rips work best where your jeans would naturally wear and tear - knees, back pockets and hems.

How to Style Ripped Jeans

Ripped jeans can still look chic when teamed with a tailored pastel coat, chunky jewellery and bejewelled heels. The subtle distressing on one knee, means these mid-blue jeans still look smart and finished off with a stylish belt and statement clutch.